The return of 'dogs on leads' at both Bushy and Richmond Park is to land from 1st May to protect dogs and deer during the deer birthing season.

The Royal Parks charity has issued the reminder to visitors of the parks, with the mandatory ruling to run from 1st May - 31st July where around 300 deer will be born across both parklands.

Incidents of dogs chasing deer is already a frequent issue for the Royal Parks Police, but during this highly sensitive time for the deer, park officials have stressed the importance of the ruling being adhered too whilst also suggesting the safest option would be to avoid walking dogs in either park completely.

Paul Richards, Park Manager at Richmond Park said: "Although deer are instinctively frightened of dogs, they will overcome this fear if they believe their young are at risk. This means female deer may chase and attack, even if the dog is at a distance, on a lead and not acting provocatively. This can be extremely frightening to witness, especially for the dog owner."

A map of areas to avoid in Bushy Park with a dog during the deer birthing season (Credit: Royal Parks)

Visitors who wish to walk their dogs in either Bushy or Richmond park during the birthing season are advised to avoid areas of long grass and bracken where newly born deer could be concealed, and to stick to the perimeter of the park in case they need to escape.

The Royal Parks has also urged visitors to give female deer respect, privacy and space, and not to go in search of young deer.

If visitors see a young deer on its own, they should remember it is perfectly normal for female deer to be grazing nearby and often hide their young whilst they forage for food to create the milk they need to nourish their young.

A map of areas to avoid in Richmond Park with a dog during the deer birthing season (Credit: Royal Parks)

Paul Richards added: "This is the fourth year we've had 'dogs on leads' during the deer birthing season and it's been an important step for deer welfare during this vulnerable time.

"As a result of this policy, our wildlife officers have noticed positive changes in the deer, with the deer appearing less on edge and exhibiting more natural behaviours such as roaming further into the park. Most importantly though, the number of dogs chasing deer dramatically reduces during this time. We'd like to thank the public for their continued support."

Advice to dog walkers

• It is compulsory to keep your dog on a lead at all times, and in all areas of the parks, from 1 May until 31 July.
• Avoid the areas shaded in orange on the maps. These are typically areas of long grass and bracken where newborn deer could be concealed.
• If a deer charges, let the dog off the lead so it can run away and doesn't get hurt.
• Consider walking your dog elsewhere.

Advice to all park visitors

• Give deer plenty of space. Always keep at least 50 metres away.
• Avoid deer nursery areas where possible. Give female deer privacy and respect.
• Never touch or handle a newborn deer under any circumstances, even if it's on its own. It is not abandoned, and its mother will be grazing nearby